The subject of the best Android racing games can spark heated debates, and we're setting the record straight from the start. Let's be clear: CSR 2, Forza Street, and any drag racing games are not included in this list. While these titles are iconic in the mobile racing genre, which was essentially born on mobile devices, they cater to a different style of gameplay. They're fantastic at what they do, ingeniously adapting to the needs of players who often play with just one finger. However, we believe they don't qualify as traditional racing games. At DG Towers, we value steering and control.
We've also prioritized variety in our selection, ranging from the visually stunning and mechanically precise Real Racing 3 to the more whimsical Mario Kart Tour and Hill Climb Racing 2, which sit at opposite ends of the realism spectrum.
Feel free to share your thoughts and tell us where we might have missed the mark in the comments below.
The Best Android Racing Games
Real Racing 3
When Firemint released Real Racing back in 2009, it was a game-changer. It looked and played like a console game, setting a new standard for mobile racing. While competitors have since caught up, Real Racing 3 remains one of the most visually impressive and enjoyable racing games on mobile. Best of all, it's free to play.
Asphalt 9: Legends
Gameloft may have a mixed reputation among mobile gamers, but there's no denying the quality of Asphalt 9: Legends. It may borrow heavily from other titles, but it's expansive, beautiful, and incredibly fun. It leverages the mobile platform to outshine even Need for Speed.
Rush Rally Origins
This latest installment in the Rush Rally series is its finest yet. It's fast, visually stunning, and offers a plethora of courses and cars to unlock. The game perfectly captures the intense, split-second decision-making of rallying. Plus, being a premium release, it's free from the usual in-app purchase hassles.
GRID Autosport
GRID Autosport is a polished, visually stunning racer that offers premium content with a one-time purchase. With a wide variety of cars and numerous game modes, it's ideal for those who prefer a straightforward gaming experience without constant in-app purchase prompts.
Reckless Racing 3
Some argue that top-down racers are better suited for mobile, and Reckless Racing 3 makes a strong case for this. This visually appealing and fast-paced game from Pixelbite lets you navigate 36 different routes across six environments with 28 vehicles. It's packed with modes, events, and plenty of powersliding action.
Mario Kart Tour
While Mario Kart Tour might not be the top kart racer on mobile, it's still a significant entry. Nintendo's effort in mobile gaming shows dedication, and despite some reservations, it's Mario Kart on your phone. Recent updates have added landscape mode and real-time multiplayer with up to seven players.
Wreckfest
For a more rugged and chaotic racing experience, Wreckfest delivers. This destruction derby racer is perfect for those who enjoy the thrill of smashing into opponents, perhaps even with a combine harvester. It's all about Farmageddon fun!
KartRider Rush+
KartRider Rush+ stands out as the premier kart racing game on mobile. Released by Nexon, it offers console-quality graphics, numerous modes, over 45 tracks, and regular updates. While it may lack the Mario Kart branding, it excels in every other aspect.
Horizon Chase
Horizon Chase by Aquiris is a masterclass in arcade racing. It beautifully balances retro charm with modern 3D graphics, reminiscent of Out Run. With 92 tracks, ten cups, 40 cities, and a soundtrack by the composer of Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge, it's a joy to play and behold.
Rebel Racing
Rebel Racing showcases the versatility of smartphones with its stunning visuals and engaging gameplay. Set in various West Coast locales, you'll race on highways, beaches, mountains, and more, with a focus on arcade-style recklessness reminiscent of Burnout.
Hot Lap League
Hot Lap League is a sleek, time-trial-based racer that's both visually appealing and addictive. With tracks that take just minutes to complete, you'll find yourself constantly trying to beat your best time. It's a premium release with echoes of Trackmania and Ridge Racer, making it a fun and engaging choice.
Data Wing
Data Wing might be the most critically acclaimed game on this list, boasting a 4.8 average user rating from over 280,000 reviews. Despite its unconventional appearance, it's a racer at heart. In Dan Vogt's stylish game, you race a neon arrowhead through a minimalist, beautiful world, with 40 levels that challenge your skills in unique ways.
Final Freeway
Final Freeway is a nostalgic nod to classic arcade racers like Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge 2. It recreates the feel of the Commodore Amiga era, letting you race a red sports car through various environments. While not the most comprehensive, it's a faithful and enjoyable throwback.
Dirt Trackin 2
Dirt Trackin 2 dives deep into NASCAR-style stock car racing, focusing on intense, close-quarters racing around a single dusty circuit. It blends simulation with an arcade feel, offering five car models, a career mode, and a mix of real and fictional drivers and tracks.
Hill Climb Racing 2
Hill Climb Racing 2 offers a unique side-scrolling racing experience that's both chaotic and challenging. Inspired by games like Trials, you'll flip, bounce, and backflip through diverse environments, using the terrain to your advantage. With extensive vehicle customization, online multiplayer, and weekly events, it's perfect for those who enjoy a different kind of racing game.
Now that you've seen our selection of the best Android racing games, why not explore another genre? Check out our feature on the best Android fighting games.
